Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Johnny Manziel is moving on to the NFL and has signed agents to help him along the way. Photo Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

The connection between Manziel and Select Sports Group was first established by football insider Neil Stratton of Inside The League, who reported on December 11, 2013 that two sources indicated Manziel would sign with SSG. Football agent Erik Burkhardt of Select Sports Group quickly denied that Manziel planned to sign with his firm and further stated that his company had yet to speak to Manziel. “It’s simply false,” said Burkhardt to ProFootballTalk.com. “Nobody in our firm has ever spoken to Johnny. But if you can up to him, tell him I think he’s a hell of a player and should win the Heisman.”

If true, then Manziel apparently received the kind message or was otherwise persuaded to sign with SSG instead of the plethora of other agencies chomping at the bit for the opportunity to represent "Johnny Football."

The team at Select Sports Group has experience representing NFL quarterbacks. It picked up quarterback Josh Freeman as a client when long-time agent Ken Kremer retired in 2013. SSG also represents Houston Texans QB Case Keenum. However, later that year SSG lost New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith after Smith decided to depart for Jay Z's Roc Nation Sports. At the time, Smith claimed that the change had nothing to do with his NFL Draft experience, wherein he was selected by the Jets with the club's second round pick (No. 39 overall).

Perhaps the most interesting section of Manziel's selection is the choice of Maverick Carter as his marketing agent. Carter, who has expeditiously become a recognized name throughout the business of sports due to his representation of LeBron James, is now tasked with finding revenue producing opportunities for Manziel above and beyond what he makes from the NFL team that drafts him. He has solidified relationships with major corporations, including Nike, Coca-Cola, McDonald’s and State Farm, and will use those relationships, along with others, to continue to enhance the Johnny Football brand.

It also never hurts to add a close friend and confidant of LeBron James to your already existing posse that includes the performing artist known as Drake.